Retailers target cost savings and improved operational efficiency
with Internet-based EDI alternative

SAN DIEGO, CA - FurnishNet today announced that an additional 16 manufacturers have selected FurnishNet to handle electronic transaction exchanges with their retail customers. With combined sales of more than $500 million last year, the manufacturers will use FurnishNet to electronically receive purchase orders and transmit purchase order acknowledgements, advance ship notices, and invoices. These deals represent FurnishNet's expanding presence in the home furnishings industry as retailers and manufacturers alike implement technologies that will improve communications between trading partners, streamline business processes, and reduce costs for a greater return on investment.

The manufacturers that recently signed with FurnishNet generate between $5 million and $100 million in annual sales, and include: Advantage Furniture, Beauce Furniture, Dynamic Furniture, Eastman House, Elliott's Designs, Golden Chair, Maple Mountain, and New Generations.

"Let's face it, the fax machine is becoming antiquated," said David Thompson, Vice President of Operations for New Generations, a leather-goods manufacturer based in Tennessee. "One of our retail customers referred us to FurnishNet, and when we saw how it worked, we realized that FurnishNet would provide us with an efficient, cost-effective way to communicate with our customers. Now, we're able to avoid the glitches and delays associated with faxing, and improve security by transacting business over a secure connection. We like it and our customers like it. With FurnishNet, everything has been smooth and easy."

FurnishNet's solution for Transaction Management speeds the accurate transmission of purchase orders, purchase order acknowledgements, advance ship notices, and invoices. By integrating e-mail, web applications, electronic data interchange (EDI), XML, and faxed-based processes into a unique "Any-to-Any" exchange, FurnishNet is able to translate the information into the appropriate format for the immediate electronic flow of information between business partners of any size. This significantly reduces the costs and complexity associated with traditional EDI solutions.

"Many of the retailers that signed with FurnishNet last year are already reaping the benefits of communicating electronically with their vendors," said Ron Sellers, FurnishNet's Vice President of Sales. "By connecting these retailers to more than 130 manufacturers, the manufacturers have experienced first hand the value we offer. Now, they are driving FurnishNet to their other retail customers, so the adoption rate over the last few months has been amazing. We're looking forward to connecting even more retailers and manufacturers, and providing them with a simple, cost-effective solution that can have a fast and powerful impact on the way they do business with their trading partners."

To learn more about Transaction Management solutions now available through FurnishNet, contact Ron Sellers at (800) 854-2263, ext. 2525 or visit www.furnishnet.com.

About FurnishNet
FurnishNet, a wholly owned subsidiary of GERS, provides Internet-based supply chain solutions for retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers in the home furnishings industry. FurnishNet offerings include parts management and transaction management solutions that streamline processes, eliminate waste, enhance operations, and improve consumer satisfaction. Leveraging GERS Retail Systems' 28 years of experience in the home furnishings industry, FurnishNet is well positioned to offer solutions tailored to the business needs of the trade. For more information, visit www.furnishnet.com.